Apple may be planning to release the iPhone 5 either some time late September or early October this year, but it seems that Microsoft and its partners are not about to let the Cupertino giant steal all the thunder for itself during that period. Apparently, word has it that a group of big name smartphone OEMs are planning to launch their own Windows Phone 7 "Mango" smartphones in September as well in a bid to compete "neck to neck" with Apple's upcoming smartphone.

Apple may be due to release the iPhone 5 come late September this year, but it seems that the competition is not about to let the Cupertino giant hog the limelight for itself. Apparently, industry sources have claimed that various big-name smartphone OEMs are planning to steal some of Apple's thunder by launching their own Windows Phone 7 Mango-based smartphone in the same month.

According to a report published by DIGITIMES, the list of smartphone manufacturers who are planning to unveil their own Windows-powered smartphones in the month of September include HTC, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Acer and ZTE. The report also claims that HTC is "expected to roll out a number of Mango phones that will be powered by Qualcomm 1.5GHz single-core CPUs with display sizes ranging from 3.8- to 4.7-inch".

Last but definitely not least, DIGITIMES has also added that Nokia is expected to unveil its first batch of Windows Phone 7-powered smartphone in October this year.